CPI-M to campaign against Hindutva forces

Kolkata, Oct 14 (IANS) Seeking “strong action” against the Bajrang Dal for its alleged role in recent incidents of communal violence, the Communist party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) Tuesday said it would organise a nationwide campaign against Hindutva forces and observe a week against “communalism and terrorism” from Oct 30.”The Bajrang Dal, backed by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Rashtriya Swayamsevek Sangh (RSS), is leading the attacks on the Christian community in India. The Central Committee has taken note of all the growing incidents of communal attacks on the minority communities,” CPI-M general secretary Prakash Karat told a press conference after completion of a three-day Central Committee meeting here.

He said: “The Naveen Patnaik government in Orissa has totally failed to curb the attacks on the Christians. The Central Committee demands the end to the targeting and harassment of the minority community.

Christians and their places of worship in Kandhamal district of Orissa have been facing attacks since the Aug 23 killing of a Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) leader. At least 36 people have died in the violence.

“We demand that strong action be taken against the Bajrang Dal under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act. Our party will also mobilise people against the communal activities and increasing terrorist attacks in the country,” Karat said.

Suggesting that the central government implement stringent laws against the communal and terrorist organisations, Karat said it should revamp its intelligence network and strengthen the operation of the various security agencies to effectively monitor the situation.

“The committee also appeals to the people to isolate the extremist elements who are seeking to utilise the alienation and insecurity of the minorities community,” he said.

“The central government has also failed to effectively intervene to protect the minorities in Kandhamal by discharging its constitutional obligations,” Karat said, condemning the attacks on minorities in different parts of Karnataka, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh.

A statement released by the Central Committee said the RSS-BJP combine is instigating communal violence keeping in mind the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections and assembly polls in five states.